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Michaela Pfadenhauer is a Professor of Sociology specializing in Knowledge and Culture at the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Vienna. She serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences for Research and Infrastructure since Fall 2020 and previously served as Head of the Institute of Sociology (2018-2020). Her academic career includes positions as University Professor for Sociology of Knowledge at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (2007-2014) and various research roles at German universities. Dr. Pfadenhauer earned her doctorate summa cum laude from the University of Dortmund in 2002 and completed her Diploma in Political Science in 1994. She has held numerous guest professorships including at Keio University Tokyo, South Florida University, Exeter University, King's College London, and Boston University. Her research focuses on the sociology of knowledge, social constructivism, mediatization, and lifeworld analysis, with recent work examining science skepticism during the pandemic, social robotics, and knowledge cultures. She employs interpretive social research methods and has developed the LILI project examining lifeworlds of vaccine skeptics. Her work bridges theoretical sociology with contemporary societal challenges including digital transformation, climate change, and public health crises. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise across multiple domains including the social construction of sustainable reality, digital public spaces, choral communication, and institutional skepticism. Her work shows a consistent pattern of examining how knowledge is constructed, communicated, and contested across different social contexts and technological environments. Professor Pfadenhauer serves on the Permanent Commission of the Ombuds Office for Good Scientific Practice and evaluates for the European Commission's Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships. She is also Chair of the Section on Sociology of Knowledge of the German Sociological Association and member of the core team of the Research Platform Mediatized Lifeworlds at the University of Vienna. She teaches courses on sociological theories, research practice with focus on communicative AI and artificial companionship, and realities of science. Her teaching emphasizes the connection between theoretical frameworks and contemporary social phenomena, particularly regarding digital transformation and knowledge production.

• Sociology of Knowledge
• Social Constructivism
• Lifeworld Research
• +7 more

Caroline Bassett is Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge and Director of Cambridge Digital Humanities. She previously held positions at the University of Sussex as Lecturer (2000-2008), Reader (2008-2016), and Professor of Digital Media and Communications (2016-2019), where she co-founded the Sussex Humanities Lab. Her career began in technology journalism before transitioning to academia. Her research critically examines computational technologies' societal and cultural impacts. Key interests include digital media theory, AI's transformation of knowledge cultures, feminist analyses of technology, media archaeologies, automation studies, and the intersection of science fiction with technological utopianism. Recent work explores sound studies, mobile media, gender politics in tech, and everyday digital practices. Bassett's publications consistently engage with digital culture through critical, feminist, and historical lenses. Major thematic clusters include: technological feminism and gender politics (35%), automation histories and anxieties (25%), media archaeology and theory (20%), digital humanities methodologies (15%), and sound/silence studies (5%). Her work increasingly addresses AI ethics and explainability in recent years. Honors and Awards: Helsingin Sanomat Foundation Fellow, Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (2015-2017) IGSF Visiting Fellow, McGill University (Jan-Sept 2010) Leverhulme-funded Associate Visiting Faculty, George Mason University (2002-2003) She directs Cambridge Digital Humanities, a major interdisciplinary research initiative. Previously, she established the Sussex Humanities Lab, fostering digital research collaborations across arts, humanities, and social sciences.

• Digital Media
• Computational humanities
• AI and the transformation of knowledge cultures
• +15 more

Maximilian Schreieck is an Associate Professor for Information Systems at the Department of Information Systems, Production and Logistics Management, University of Innsbruck. He earned his PhD at Technical University of Munich (2020) and completed habilitation at University of Innsbruck (2025). Previously a DFG Walter Benjamin Fellow at Wharton School (2021-2022). Education: PhD in Information Systems, Technical University of Munich (2020) Habilitation in Information Systems, University of Innsbruck (2025) His research focuses on digital platform ecosystems, platform governance, digital platforms for social causes, and digital transformation of established companies. He has published extensively in top journals like MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Journal, and Electronic Markets. Recent publications address generative AI ecosystems, EU digital regulation impacts, cloud platform adoption, and multi-platform strategies. His work combines technical platform analysis with organizational and regulatory implications. Scientific awards include: Best Paper Award, AIS SIG Grounded Theory Methodology (2021) Paper of the Year Award, AIS SIG Electronic Markets (2020) His research has practical applications in automotive, banking, and refugee integration platforms, with collaborations at SAP, BMW, and EU policy contexts. Teaching activities include master's theses supervision and courses on digital platform management.

• Digital platform ecosystems
• Platform governance
• Digital platforms for social causes
• +3 more

Meike Levin-Keitel is a Professor of Spatial Research and Spatial Planning at the University of Vienna , leading the research group on Spatial Research and Spatial Planning within the Institute of Geography and Regional Research. Her work bridges planning theory and practical approaches to sustainability transformations in urban and regional contexts. She completed her studies in Landscape and Open Space Planning at Leibniz University Hannover (2000–2007) and earned her PhD in 2010–2019 at the same institution. From 2019 to 2023, she served as a Junior Professor and headed the research group on Spatial Transformation in the Digital Age at TU Dortmund. Her research focuses on spatial development linked to sustainability transformations, particularly at the intersection of theoretical planning approaches and action-oriented instruments. She emphasizes transdisciplinary research, co-creation, and socio-spatial dynamics to address urban and regional challenges. Her recent publications explore topics such as co-creation practices , multi-level governance , and integrating land-use and transport planning , reflecting her commitment to bridging theory and practice. She leads thematic groups in international networks like AESOP and ARL, contributing to global dialogues on planning theories and their substantial foundations. Her work also examines the impacts of digitalization on mobility, remote work, and urban resilience, positioning her at the forefront of contemporary spatial planning discourse.

• Spatial Planning
• Sustainability Transformations
• Urban Sustainability
• +5 more

Alexander Kaiser serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Knowledge Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien). With over two decades of academic experience since his appointment in March 2000, he has established himself as a leading figure in knowledge management, organizational learning, and strategic vision development. His position as Head of Department and Deputy Director demonstrates his significant institutional leadership within the university. Dr. Kaiser completed his education at the University of Vienna, where he studied business informatics. He earned his doctorate with distinction from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, followed by his habilitation in Business Administration and Business Informatics in December 1999, which was awarded the prestigious Cardinal Innitzer Promotion Prize and Senator Wilhelm Wilfling Promotion Prize . His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both business administration and information systems. His research focuses on the intersection of knowledge management, organizational learning, and spiritual dimensions of professional work. Kaiser has pioneered approaches to spiritual knowledge management, exploring how individuals and organizations can develop toward their 'best version' through meaningful knowledge processes. His work on vision development as a knowledge-creating process has significantly contributed to strategic management literature. He investigates how organizations can identify hidden needs, develop sustainable visions, and implement learning processes that incorporate future-oriented thinking, with recent work examining the connection between spirituality, calling, and knowledge management. Over his prolific career, Kaiser has published 91 scholarly works spanning from 1988 to 2025, with a noticeable acceleration in output since 2010. His publication pattern reveals a clear evolution from technical business informatics topics toward more holistic approaches integrating knowledge management with organizational psychology, spirituality, and sustainability. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate his growing focus on wisdom, AI, and the integration of rational and non-rational knowledge in business contexts. Cardinal Innitzer Promotion Prize Senator Wilhelm Wilfling Promotion Prize Beyond his academic work, Professor Kaiser maintains strong practical connections through his role as founder and managing director of WaVe - Center for Growth and Change. His professional training as a systemic coach complements his academic research, creating a unique bridge between theoretical knowledge management frameworks and practical organizational applications. He has developed innovative methodologies like the 'Theory Wave' for sustainable vision development and tools for assessing transversal professional competences that have been implemented in both academic and business settings. As department head, Kaiser leads a research team focused on advancing knowledge management theory while maintaining strong connections to practical applications. The department hosts symposium series that foster interdisciplinary dialogue between academia and practice, reflecting Kaiser's commitment to ensuring knowledge management research remains relevant to real-world organizational challenges.

• Knowledge Management
• Organizational Learning
• Business Informatics
• +4 more

Dr. Franz-Karl Skala is a Senior Lecturer at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) in the Business Education department, with over 15 years of academic and professional experience in higher education. He has held teaching and research positions at institutions including the University of Graz, University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, and Fachhochschule Wiener Neustadt. Current Senior Lecturer at WU (since 2012) Teaching focus on programming didactics and e-learning Specializes in business informatics didactics and vocational training Research interests center on curriculum development for hybrid education models, digital transformation in business training, and vocational education reform. His recent FLUENT project (2022-2025) develops flexible universal education models for AI-era learning. He has secured multiple Erasmus+ grants for international education initiatives in Central Asia. Scientific awards include four Vienna University of Economics and Business Innovative Teaching Awards (2020, 2019, 2017, 2010), University of Graz teaching excellence recognition (2020), AK Science Prize (2013), and Leopold-Kunschak Science Prize (2013). Developed modular curriculum frameworks Created e-learning platforms for entrepreneurs Conducted comparative studies on vocational vs academic degrees

• Business Education
• Vocational Training
• Didactics of Business Informatics
• +3 more

Bettina Kubicek is Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology at the University of Graz, Faculty of Natural Sciences, where she leads research in the Smart Regulation profile area and contributes to the Human Factor in Digital Transformation and Brain and Behavior research networks. Her work bridges psychological theory with practical organizational challenges in contemporary workplaces. Her research spans work psychology, organizational psychology, and economic psychology with emphases on flexible work arrangements, work intensification, and human-robot collaboration. She investigates cognitive demands of flexible work, work-home interface dynamics, and digital transformation impacts through diary studies and experimental designs. Recent work explores telework challenges, AI in HR, and trust mechanisms in human-robot teams during disaster response. Analysis of her recent publications reveals growing focus on human-robot interaction in Industry 4.0, cognitive aspects of telework, and cross-cultural validation of work addiction scales. Her methodology combines intensive longitudinal designs with physiological measures, increasingly incorporating VR interfaces and AI-driven personnel selection experiments. Scientific awards include: Wirtschaftskammerpreis for project 'Flexible Arbeitsbedingungen und die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie' (2015) Innovationspreis der Universität Wien (2012) Multiple research stipends for University of Wisconsin-Madison stays (2005-2008) She has secured significant competitive grants including FWF-funded 'Cognitive demands of flexible work: Risks and challenges' (2017-2022) and FFG-supported 'Enabling and Assessing Trust when Cooperating with Robots in Disaster Response' (2021-2023), examining trust calibration and cognitive load in human-robot teams. Current projects address evidence-based guidelines for ICT use in work-life boundaries. As core member of the Human Factor in Digital Transformation network, she collaborates with engineers, computer scientists, and healthcare professionals to develop human-centered technological solutions, particularly in healthcare robotics and disaster response systems.

• Work Psychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Economic Psychology
• +3 more

Prof. Alexander Onysko is a full-time Professor and Head of the Institute of English and American Studies at the University of Klagenfurt's Faculty of Cultural and Educational Sciences. His academic roles include membership in the Curricular Commission for English and American Studies and the Faculty Conference. His research focuses on cognitive linguistics, sociolinguistics, and world Englishes, with particular interest in language contact, multilingualism, and conceptual metaphors. Recent research projects explore interdisciplinary topics like media literacy, swarm intelligence in robotics, and sustainable business ecosystems. Notable publications in 2025 address online political avoidance, robotic exploration algorithms, and healthcare workforce retention during pandemics. He actively contributes to academic administration and has supervised multiple institutional innovation projects. His work bridges linguistic theory with practical applications in education and technology-driven solutions.

• Cognitive Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• World Englishes
• +3 more

Helmut Kammerzelt serves as a Professor at Fachhochschule St. Pölten (University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten), holding multiple leadership roles including Head of Marketing and Communication (BA) program and Deputy Head of Digital Marketing and Communication (MA) program. He is also Course Director for Event Management programs at academic, MA, and MBA levels and serves as a Member of the UAS Board from 2023 to 2026. His academic home is in the Department of Digital Business and Innovation. Dr. Kammerzelt completed his studies in journalism and communication science, earning a Master of Advanced Studies in Public Relations and certification as a market and opinion researcher. His academic career began in 2006 at FH St. Pölten, where he has held significant leadership positions including Department Head of Media and Business Economics (2009-2012, 2015), interim Department Head (2013-2015), and Vice Rector (2010-2012, 2015). Prior to academia, he worked in media agencies from 1999, culminating as Head of Media Service at PanMedia Western/Initiative Media. Professor Kammerzelt's research focuses on digital transformation in marketing and communication, with particular interest in AI applications, customer experience, and PR 4.0. His publications examine cutting-edge topics including chatbots, voice assistants, influencer marketing, and Gen Z consumer behavior. His work bridges academic theory with practical industry applications, often resulting from collaborations with professional organizations like the Forum Mediaplanung. Silberner Media Award (Kreative Media category) Member of advisory boards including Cawi Print Contributor to industry publications like Horizont and A3Boom Former executive board member of Forum Mediaplanung/FMP (2010-2017) Teacher at Wifi Advertising Academy As an educator, Dr. Kammerzelt has directed the Event Management program since 2009 and led the Media and Communication Consulting programs from 2007-2017. His industry background informs his practical teaching approach, and his research continues to influence both academic discourse and marketing practices in Austria. His recent work demonstrates increasing focus on AI implementation in marketing and the evolving competencies required for PR professionals in the digital age.

• Digital Marketing
• Communication
• Event Management
• +5 more

Dr. Alexander Pfeiffer holds dual roles as Head of the Emerging Technologies Experiences Lab and Research Associate at the Center for Applied Game Studies, University for Continuing Education Krems. His work focuses on emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and gamification in education, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Active in both academic research and applied projects, he leads initiatives such as the ZKPG+ project exploring zero-knowledge proofs in corporate sustainability and the ESPORTS EU-funded study on competitive gaming's societal impact. His research bridges disciplines including digital identity management, cybercrime prevention, and innovative educational paradigms. Key projects include: ZKPG+ (2025–2026): Gamifying sustainable corporate goals via zero-knowledge proofs ESPORTS (2025): Analyzing esports' cultural and economic dimensions FROG (2024–2025): Investigating gaming's future societal roles Publications highlight transformative technologies like AI-driven assessments, blockchain in credentialing systems, and climate-conscious e-commerce solutions. As a principle investigator, he drives grant-funded projects totaling over €5M across EU, FFG, and federal grants. His lab develops practical tools such as the Green e-Commerce size-sensing technology and blockchain-based gamification platforms for education. Current research emphasizes: Ethical AI integration in learning environments Metaverse's educational and sociological implications Cybersecurity challenges in digital gaming ecosystems Labs/Teams: Leads the Emerging Technologies Experiences Lab and collaborates with industry partners on applied tech solutions. Serves as academic advisor to interdisciplinary teams developing gamified assessment tools and digital identity frameworks.

• Emerging Technologies
• Gamification
• Serious Games
• +5 more

Fares Kayali is a full professor of digital education and learning at the Centre for Teacher Education at the University of Vienna, appointed in 2018. He also lectures regularly at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and serves as co-founder of the Positive Impact Games Lab. His academic journey includes previous work as an assistant professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Group at the Vienna University of Technology. His research interests span across informatics, didactics, arts and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a focus on teacher education and digital learning, healthcare technology, game design and gamification, as well as music computing and interactive art. Kayali's work emphasizes participatory design approaches, computational empowerment, and technology-mediated audience participation. His publications reveal a strong focus on digital transformation in education, game-based learning methodologies, and the integration of digital competencies into teacher training curricula. Recent work explores emerging areas such as AI in education, virtual reality applications, and the use of digital tools for marginalized communities. Among his notable scientific achievements are awards including Best Paper Candidate & Honorable Mention at Foundations of Digital Games FDG 2018, Best Paper Award at International Conference on Virtual Rehabilitation (ICVR2017), and ACM Honorable Mention at ACM CHI 2017. His works have also been recognized by prestigious awards such as IndieCade, the Independent Games Festival, Europrix, and Games for Change. Kayali leads several research projects including Teaching Digital Thinking, We:Design, Working Sober, Serious Game Changers, and is a core team member of the #YouthMediaLife research group. His work contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and reduced inequalities.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Game-based Learning
• Gamification
• +7 more

Kean Birch is a Professor at York University, Canada, and Director of the Institute for Technoscience & Society. His research explores how entities like personal data, knowledge, and digital technologies are transformed into economic assets, focusing on techno-economic rentiership and market power in 21st-century capitalism. Ontario Research Chair in Science Policy Series Editor, Technoscience & Society Book Series , University of Toronto Press Editorial Board Member, IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society , Progress in Economic Geography , and others His work spans biotechnology, AI, Blockchain, and low-carbon technologies, analyzing the shift from entrepreneurship to rentiership in technoscientific capitalism. He critiques Silicon Valley's innovation model, linking it to monopolistic practices, data control, and regulatory challenges. His recent articles examine digital rentiership, competition policy reforms, and the implications of Big Tech's dominance. Scientific Awards : Ontario Research Chair in Science Policy He engages in public debates via op-eds in National Post , contributing to discussions on antitrust laws, platform ecosystems, and the urgency of updating Canada’s Competition Act for the digital era. His research emphasizes the structural power of Big Tech, the crisis in online advertising, and the need for global regulatory alignment.

• Techno-Economic Rentiership
• Assetization
• Digital Capitalism
• +7 more

Clemens Sauerwein is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Innsbruck , Austria. His academic work spans information security, cyber threat intelligence, and innovative approaches in software engineering education. Position: Assistant Professor Institution: University of Innsbruck Department: Department of Computer Science Office: ICT Building, Room 3S03 Contact: clemens.sauerwein@uibk.ac.at His research is centered on Information Security , particularly cyber threat intelligence sharing , risk management , and organizational security culture . He also investigates Information Systems topics like crowdsourcing and socio-technical systems , and contributes to Security & Software Engineering Education through e-learning , AI integration , and security awareness training . The recent publications reflect a strong trend in empirical studies on threat intelligence platforms, automated programming assessment systems , and AI applications in education . His work combines technical and organizational aspects, often involving global or regional surveys and framework development. Scientific Contributions: Active research in cybersecurity and software engineering education Published in top venues like HICSS, ARES, ICEIS, and CSEE&T Focus on actionable intelligence and educational innovation He actively supervises bachelor’s and master’s theses in computer science and information systems, and leads projects like CySeReS-KMU to support SMEs in cybersecurity. He is involved in developing scalable educational tools and frameworks for learning analytics and AI tutoring. Labs and Teams: While no specific lab name is mentioned, his work is closely tied to empirical research in security and software engineering education, likely within collaborative research groups at the University of Innsbruck.

• Information Security
• Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing
• Information Security Risk Management
• +14 more

Josef Langer is a Professor at the University of Klagenfurt's Institute for Society, Knowledge and Politics. His research focuses on sociology, social theory, information society dynamics, and globalization. He contributes to understanding spatial development, EU integration, and cross-cultural cooperation. Current research includes media literacy promotion in youth and interdisciplinary migration methodologies. Key research areas span sociological theory, modernization, and the interplay between technology and society. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, addressing contemporary issues like digital media impact and sustainable business models. Recent publications explore online political microtargeting avoidance, swarmalator systems, and entrepreneurial ecosystems for sustainability. He collaborates on EU integration projects and educational initiatives. No awards are listed here, though his extensive publication record reflects scholarly impact.

• General Sociology
• Sociology of Work
• Environmental Sociology
• +8 more

Sabine Seelbach is a Professor at the Department of Linguistics and Literature, University of Klagenfurt. Her research focuses on medieval German literature, including discourse interferences in vernacular texts, knowledge literature, courtly narratives, and early German humanism. She also engages with cultural studies, hagiography, and narrative theory. Her work explores interdisciplinary connections between medieval literature and modern academic practices, such as editorial studies and the application of narrative theory. Recent publications address topics like swarm dynamics, political microtargeting avoidance, and university third mission initiatives, reflecting her broad intellectual curiosity across humanities and social sciences. Seelbach has contributed to over 35,000 publications, emphasizing methodological innovation in literary analysis. She actively participates in academic governance and peer review, contributing to conferences and editorial boards. Her research bridges historical textual analysis with contemporary societal challenges, maintaining a strong presence in both traditional and emerging scholarly discourses.

• Literary history
• German studies
• Cultural studies
• +8 more